Max Verstappen wins third consecutive Formula One world championship
Red Bull chief Christian Horner believes that the Las Vegas Grand Prix must make changes if it is to be successful in the future. Max Verstappen edged out Charles Leclerc in what was an action-packed race filled with drama – but there was plenty of drama over the course of the weekend.
Formula One turned the state of Nevada upside down to try and ensure that the expensive Las Vegas Grand Prix was a success. The event divided locals, with some unhappy with the disruption and others welcoming the return of motorsport to the area for the first time since the early 1980s.
Drivers were, similarly, split over how they felt about the race taking place in the area, with Verstappen being particularly vocal about how Formula One must not make a fool of itself as a sport by focusing too much on events outside of the race.
Carlos Sainz hitting a loose drain cover in practice did not get the weekend off on the right foot, especially given it meant fans saw very little track time on Friday (Thursday in the US). But Sunday’s (Saturday US) Grand Prix was an enthralling race which many involved described as ‘fun’. However, Red Bull’s Horner feels that some significant changes are required if Formula One is to return to Vegas.
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He said: “I think one of the things we can look at is the running schedule because it’s been brutal for the team. All the men and women behind the scenes, I think everybody’s leaving Vegas slightly f****d.
“We need to look at how we can improve that for the future. We’re running so late at night, so maybe we run it a little earlier in the evening. You’re never going to keep every television audience totally happy. This is an American race, so if you run at eight o’clock in the evening, it would be more comfortable for all.”
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Other changes are also expected to be discussed at length, including a bump in the track which caused Lando Norris to crash into the barriers and require checks at a local hospital. But overall, many were pleased with how the weekend panned out – including Lewis Hamilton.
The Mercedes star felt that the Las Vegas Grand Prix silenced its doubters, saying: “For all those who said it was all about the show, Vegas proved them wrong. The race was great, it was one of the best races. There have been so many people who have been negative about the show and all that – but just let it be, see how it goes and it was huge.
“This has provided a better race than most of the tracks we go to. Hats off to the people who ran the show. I cannot wait to come back and hopefully have a better race next year. I am really grateful to Vegas for having us.”
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